August Wilhelm von Schlegel

Date of Birth: September 8, 1767

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: May 12, 1845

Biography

August Wilhelm von Schlegel (1767–1845) was a prominent German poet, translator, and critic, known for his significant contributions to the Romantic movement in European literature. Born into a family with a strong intellectual background, Schlegel’s father was a Lutheran pastor and his brother, Friedrich von Schlegel, was also a renowned poet and philosopher. August Wilhelm studied at the University of Göttingen, where he developed a deep interest in classical and modern literature. Schlegel’s career began with his translation of Shakespeare’s works into German, a monumental task that earned him widespread acclaim. His translations were not only faithful to the original texts but also imbued with the spirit of German Romanticism, making Shakespeare’s plays accessible and influential in German-speaking countries. Apart from his translations, Schlegel was an accomplished poet and a prolific writer of literary criticism. His essays and lectures on literature, particularly his “Lectures on Dramatic Art and Literature,” were instrumental in shaping the Romantic literary movement. Schlegel’s work emphasized the importance of imagination and emotion in literature, and he advocated for the appreciation of medieval and non-Western literary traditions. Schlegel also had a significant academic career, holding professorships at various universities, including the University of Bonn. His influence extended beyond literature, as he was involved in the study of Eastern languages and cultures, contributing to the early development of comparative literature.

5 Interesting Facts about August Wilhelm von Schlegel

1. August Wilhelm von Schlegel was one of the earliest European scholars to study and translate Sanskrit literature.

2. He co-founded the influential literary magazine “Athenaeum” with his brother Friedrich von Schlegel, which became a central platform for Romantic ideas.

3. Schlegel’s translation of Shakespeare’s works is still considered one of the finest in the German language.

4. He was a personal friend and collaborator of the famous poet and playwright Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

5. Schlegel’s critical writings helped to establish the concept of “Romantic irony,” a hallmark of Romantic literature.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from August Wilhelm von Schlegel

1. “Every great poet is a teacher; I wish to be considered as a teacher or nothing.”

2. “Translation is not a matter of words only: it is a matter of making intelligible a whole culture.”

3. “The historian is a prophet looking backward.”

4. “Poetry is the art of substantiating shadows, and of lending existence to nothing.”

5. “Genius creates, and taste preserves. Taste is the good sense of genius; without taste, genius is only sublime folly.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

August Wilhelm von Schlegel did not achieve significant financial wealth; his highest net worth is not well-documented, but he was primarily known for his intellectual and cultural contributions rather than material wealth.

Children

August Wilhelm von Schlegel did not have any children. He was married to Caroline Schelling (née Michaelis), but their marriage ended in divorce, and they had no offspring.